Organizational Meeting – Oct 11, 2022

This was the first meeting of the commission to organize its membership and anticipated our meeting schedule. We took comments from members of the public and addressed other business.

Next Meeting – Nov 21, 2022 >>

Minutes Approved on Nov 21, 2022 (PDF).

Attendance:

Commission Members:

• Michael Harrington, NH House of Representatives
• David Shulock, NH Department of Energy, General Council
• Bart Fromuth, Freedom Energy Logistics, Governor’s Appointee
• Marc Brown, Conumers Energy Alliance, Governor’s Appointee
• Keith Ammon, NH House of Representatives
• Cathy Beahm, NH Department of Environmental Services
• Dan Goldner, Public Utilities Commission, Chair
• Christopher McLarnon, UNH, Governor’s Appointee

Absent:

• Bill Gannon, NH Senate
• Alex Fries, NH Department of Business and Economic Affairs
• Matthew Levander, NextEra Energy/Seabrook Station

Members of the Public:

• Representative Doug Thomas
• Michele Roberge
• Douglas Mailly
• Jodi Grimblas
• Bruce Berke
• Vikram Mansharamani
• Alvin See

Meeting

Representative Harrington opened the meeting and followed with introductions from each Commission member; then members of the public introduced themselves.

The Commission members then voted on officers and unanimously voted for:

• Chair — Representative Keith Ammon
• Vice Chair – Representative Michael Harrington
• Clerk –Marc Brown

A sign-up sheet was passed around for Commission members and guests.

Representative Ammon referenced the need to tap into resources; Representative Harrington brought a copy of Nuclear News Magazine and Marc Brown mentioned that the Nuclear Energy Institute and Georgia Power are members of Consumer Energy Alliance and could be helpful.

Representative Ammon emphasized that focus be on next generation technologies; Virginia Governor Glenn Younkin committed Virginia to be the centerpiece of SMR manufacturing. Hopes that this will be a consensus building process.

Christopher McLarnon voiced skepticism on feasibility of nuclear power in the US because we don’t build nukes here; China builds them cheaply and poorly.

Bart Fromuth asked if we are getting any components from China.

Representative Harrington responded that the US is not getting parts from China; referenced Sumner’s failures in South Carolina; brought up the success that South Koreans have had constructing reactors. Stated that SMRs are generally 50-80 MW, can be shipped via rail. Commented that nuclear generation plant has ever been built by investors assuming risk—always been rate based. NuScale has a design approved by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

Representative Thomas stated that he is personally bullish on nuclear technology; he is a de facto member of the NCSL energy supply task force; there are no less than 80 nuclear technologies out there—which ones survive? Mentioned that abandoned coal plants are good locations for SMRs. Asked Commission to focus on PR re: “new, safe nuclear technology.”

Representative Harrington thought Rep. Thomas’ comments regarding PR were well-stated and mentioned Germany’s overreaction to Fukushima.

Representative Ammon hopes that this Commission will utilize as many relationships as possible.

Commission scheduled next meeting for Monday, November 21^st at 8:30 AM

Meeting adjourned ~ 11:00 AM

Additional photos from the meeting

Official State Government Website for this Commission